Forum Discussion: The "Out" Campaign
Wednesday September 3, 2008
It seems likely that for decades, most atheists have remained in the closet about their atheism while only a few were willing to be "out" and public. Could that be about to change? Some are focusing their activism on encouraging more and more atheists to come out to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers about their atheism. The idea is that the more common public atheism becomes, the less of a stigma it will be. Do you agree?
I really like the idea of the out campaign, but coming out is a scary thing to do.
I am out to my family, and I got a few snide remarks for the first few years.
I am out to some of my good friends, but not to my book club friends.
I am not out to my coworkers, but most know I am not of a religious bent. I would like to be more open about it, since the religious ones are not shy of taking a stand, but our new principal has a son who just graduated with honors as some sort of theologian, and she sings in her church choir, so I expect I will be cautious for a while yet.
Personally, I neither go out of my way to hide my atheism nor do I go out of my way to advertise it. In an ideal world, that's the way it would be for everyone, wouldn’t it? If there were no stigma attached to atheism, no one would be worried enough to keep it quiet and there would be no political need to make a point of advertising it.
We don't live in an ideal world, though, so it's arguable that I should publicize it more; on the other hand, I'm frankly just not in enough situations where it would ever come up. Add your thoughts to the comments here or join the ongoing discussion in the forum.
Comments
What I like about the OUT campaign is that it promotes atheism in the same way religion is promoted. I can honestly say that most of my coworkers are pretty mild about saying anything even remotely religious in my workplace. They aren’t ashamed, it’s just that our office is a place of work, not worship, so it doesn’t come up much. But that doesn’t mean a person couldn’t, for example, wear a cross necklace. This would be open representation of their religious view, but in no way an infringement upon me or obnoxious. OUT uses that same idea–wear a t-shirt with an “A.” That’s no more obnoxious than the cross necklace. I even have a friend with the “A” tattooed on his arm. I also like the idea of taking the scarlet letter approach. It is a symbol of religious oppression–an attempt to shame people by a powerful religious infrastructure. It is a perfect representation for atheists in that regard as well.
I am like you, Austin, in that I do not hide it or am overtly open about it. It will become clear if the discussion requires it, obviously. I say it is only very evident with two groups: the two main friends I hang out with, because I often discuss issues that irk me with them, which can often be about atheism/atheists being under attack (even though I live in Canada and the issues will generally be about the States), plus one of them is anti-religion as well; and those of a forum that I frequent, because one of the forums is entitled ‘Religion’ and I am one of the most frequent posters for it, so …
I’m fairly certain most who speak to me on an even semi-frequent basis know of it, though, it would just be one of the facts that are tucked in the back of their brains, like the fact that I like math.
I have considered joining the “OUT” campaign on my own blog because I can see the importance of people seeing that being atheist is a valid option. That’s actually how I came to atheism. Once I saw how many people had a naturalistic viewpoint and that it was emotionally and intellectually fulfilling, I embraced the title personally. I’m very concerned with labeling in some ways, but I think there are certain labels that I choose carefully and atheist is one of them. Because believers need to see that atheists are people with families and jobs and feelings and dreams, just like anyone else. We’re human beings. And I think once we have that established, we will begin to move toward a greater understanding of our viewpoint in the mainstream culture, and by extension, our stance being considered in other arenas like politics.
One of my in-laws surprised me the other day. They all know I’m an atheist but we had never talked about it. When they asked me what specific groups I belonged to I said “atheist.” Then my religious, 90-yr-old in-law said that the trouble with atheism is that you don’t get as many holidays. We all had a good laugh. Then I said that atheists need fellowship, too. They knew and understood what I meant. We are all still friends. My fear of talking about atheism to them was misplaced. I’m relieved, especially because one of them is a part-time missionary and usually bores everyone with his monologues about religion.
Things are a little different in Australia.
Everyone knows I am an atheist, at least those who know me at least superficially well. I cannot lose my job here for my atheism, as there are anti-discrimination laws. And, generally, the rights of the individual are respected by most.
I can only hope that one day soon, my american friends will enjoy the same freedoms: of speech, of thought and from religion.
Agree with Percy, in Europe (except Poland) nobody is surprised if someone says they are atheist. More likely to cause surprise if someone says they are christian.
That is the problem with being an atheist, we are not “organized” like religion. I hate to use the word organized because it makes me feel dirty somehow. But could you just imagine walking down the street and seeing an atheist hospital or a secular “church” or even an humanist political building?
If we atheist were more united and vocal things may change for the better in this country.
Chuck B
I think this would be a good idea for you in the US.The likes of us in Europe and Australasia don’t really understand how difficult being an atheist in the US is.Yet,there must have been a time in our countries when we were as discriminated against as you are now.Like those persecuted for their race,gender or sexuality,nothing will change until you stand up for your own rights.Easier said than done,I know.Being unapologetic for your beliefs may be difficult to start with,but I think it’s your only long-term solution.
i agree with an “out” campaign, but not in a proseletyzing way. i simply feel that when asked about religion or their views or when adding to a religious conversation, a no-apology necessary, simple kind statement of the fact that you doubt a god exist suffices.
just like the movement of being “out” in terms of sexuality, walking down the street holding hands with someone of the same sex, is now commonplace.
that’s all i would like it to be, commonplace, or acknowledged as commonplace.